The NBA was forever changed when ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania dropped the biggest bomb in recent basketball history: a mind-blowing trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Here’s a breakdown to help you fully grasp its implications on the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and the league as a whole.
The trade unfolded on Feb. 2 with reports confirming that the Lakers acquired Dončić, along with forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. In exchange, the Mavericks landed Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick. Marking the first time two reigning All-NBA players have been traded in the middle of the season, this unexpected move has left fans, analysts, and athletes worldwide grappling with mixed feelings.
At the age of 25, Dončić already has five All-NBA first-team selections and led the Mavericks to their first NBA finals appearance in 13 years last season. He only trails Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain in per-game scoring and ranks fourth among active players for assists.
Meanwhile, Davis is averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game with a 52.8 field goal percentage. As a dominant two-way player, he established his legacy as a Laker after playing a crucial role in their 2020 NBA championship run.
Chess move or checkmate?
If anyone expected the Mavericks to trade anyone on their team, Dončić, a top-five NBA player in the league who is poised to enter his prime, would definitely be at the bottom of everyone’s list.
It is no surprise Dallas fans were furious about the decision with their Instagram page losing over 700,000 followers since the trade. Moreover, fans and analysts believe the trade does not reflect Dončić’s value due to the decision to trade him for Davis who is six years older with a longer injury history without listening to any other team’s offers. However, management decided to trade their superstar due to conditioning concerns arising from Dončić’s lack of discipline causing him to only play 22 games this season due to injuries.
Because of this trade, Dončić is now ineligible for the $345 million, 5-year supermax extension he was set to receive which would have been the largest contract in NBA history.
Just last month, Davis shared, “I think we need another big,” because he believes he plays best as a power forward. In an ironic twist of fate, his wish was granted as he is now in the company of two talented centers in Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II which make for a lethal presence in the paint. With this new trade, the Mavericks now have Davis partnered with exceptional scorer Kyrie Irving for what their management believes is a “win now” move.
In 2008, All-Star big Pau Gasol was traded to the Lakers to pair up with Kobe Bryant and the duo went on to secure back-to-back titles. In exactly the same day 17 years later, it was announced that Dončić would grace the court with arguably the greatest player of all time, LeBron James. Adding a generational talent like Dončić to the team will put him among the likes of the Laker legends who were before him. However, this trade did not address the Lakers’ main problem: defense. And, with the loss of Davis and Dončić’s defensive weaknesses, their issue has only gotten worse.
Only time will tell
The monumental Luka-AD trade will not only go down in the history books for what it is on paper. It also altered the way fans and even basketball players view the dynamics of trades. All of a sudden, no one is safe and no star is untouchable. It may just spark the beginning of unthinkable trade strategies across the league.
Will this rekindle the rivalry between the Celtics and Lakers? The arrival of Dončić may have just made the Lakers serious contenders. With another superstar, Jayson Tatum, on a quest to defend the Celtics’ championship title. We may see a revival of the Magic Johnson vs Larry Bird rivalry in this era.
With Dončić bringing Luka magic to the City of Angels and Davis’ starpower bolstering the hungry Mavericks, who won the trade? Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison, the mastermind behind it all, said it best, “Time will tell if I’m right.” Despite the questions and what ifs looming on everybody’s minds, indeed, only time will tell.
The Lakers and Mavericks will face off on Feb. 26 at 11 a.m., Philippine time.
